Property Man Completes 500 Miles At Aged 50 For Variety Club Children's Charity & Willow Foundation
04th June 2008
On June 2nd 2008, David Birchenall completed a 500 mile walk from Gretna Green to Lands End.
David Birchenall, chief executive of property finance and insurance specialist dd2group, marked his 50th birthday by undertaking the challenge in aid of The Variety Club Children's Charity & The Willow Foundation and hopes to raise nearly £45,000 in sponsorship. David has previously taken part in a number of fundraising events, including the Great North Run, the Bath Half-Marathon and a coast-to-coast walk from St Bee’s Head to Robin Hood Bay.
The 50 year old who now resides in Chipperfield, Hertfordshire, said: "Reaching 50 years was a personal milestone which gave me the idea to walk 500 miles at 50. I believe in giving something back and I am aware of Variety Club's support. I have seen first-hand how Variety helps children. In 2007 alone, 186 wheelchairs and 101 Sunshine Coaches were provided to children, schools and organisations.”
He continues: “Equally, The Willow Foundation, which I have supported since 1997, provides extra special days out to help seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to spend quality time with family and/or friends and I am pleased to support both these fantastic charities.”
David sourced sponsorship and donations from friends and colleagues in the Property Sector and from the people he met on his journey. All donations will go directly to the Variety Club & The Willow Foundation with proceeds being split 50-50.
Sir Ian Botham, Lancashire and England Cricketer, who is supporting David on his endeavour said:
“I am delighted to add my personal support to ‘Birchy’s’ 500 mile walk from Gretna Green to Land’s End. Having personally undertaken the ‘proper walk’ from John O’ Groats to Land’s End twice as a younger man (!), I know the extent of the undertaking – please be generous in supporting his two charities.”
Norman Kaphan, Variety Club's Chief Barker added: "David's commitment to Variety Club is unparalleled and his fundraising endeavour to help children and young adults is an example to us all. The Variety Club is delighted David walked the length of England and the vital funds he raised will enable us to continue to support children throughout the UK. The Variety Club is pleased to call David a Friend of Variety."
David has been an integral member of Variety Club’s Property Committee (PROPS). Most of the money raised from Variety’s annual PROPS Event funds Variety's Easy Riders Wheelchairs for children for Programme.
Since the start of the inaugural event in 1992, the PROPS has raised close to £5 million for disabled and disadvantaged children with the support of the Property Industry.
Since 1988, the Variety Club Children's Charity has been supporting disabled children on the road to independence through its Easy Riders Wheelchairs for Kids' scheme. Variety’s aim is to actively increase the number of children we support.
To support David on this epic challenge, please visit the dedicated website http://www.justgiving.com/davidbirchenall or alternatively email david50walk@dd2group.com